SilverFast HDR
From ProPHOTO WIKI
SilverFast is a software for scanning and image processing, which is developed by LaserSoft Imaging (Kiel, Germany) since 1994. Providing a software supporting any conventional scanner to digitize analog graphic material like photos, slides, documents and similar is LaserSoft's main field of activity. Beside this they are developing some specialized image processing applications for usage with digital cameras, printers and 48 Bit raw image processing.
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SilverFast HDR
SilverFast HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a software for processing 48 Bit RAW images. Many actual scanners are able to output the image directly with all existing data instead of breaking it down to 24 Bit. This 48 Bit raw image could be saved immediately, where the digital processing could be done later on. SilverFast HDR contains the functionality of SilverFast Ai for 48 Bit raw data like defining output size & resolution, auto-adjust of highlights and shadows, three-part histogram, gradation curves, selective color correction, unsharp masking, color cast removal slider, color separation, CMYK-preview and more. SilverFast HDR could be used as native plug-in for Adobe Photoshop, as universal TWAIN module or as a stand-alone application. Key features are:
- JobManager
- HiRePP
- 48 bit full color-corrected output - (RGB and LAB in 48 bits, CMYK in 64 bits)
Software review: SilverFast HDR
optional: IT8
- In the process chain (original - scanner / digital camera - monitor - printer) it's essential to calibrate any participating device for assuring a binding color reproduction, due to the fact that their actual color spaces differ device-specific from the referential color spaces. An IT8-target is needed to perform a so-called IT8-Calibration.
Auto-IT8-Calibration
- The IT8-Calibration runs automatically in SilverFast. After placing the IT8-target on the scanner the user is able to start the calibration with a single mouse-click. A combination of Barcode-technology and auto-alignment allows the patent-registered process of calibration to run completely automatically. (read more)
ICC-Printer-Calibration
- A printer calibration is necessary for keeping the colors and hues as original and predictible as possible. Therefor an ICC profile, which takes the actual printer, the ink cartridges and the paper used into account, has to be created. Traditionally this is done with a spectral photometer, which becomes redundant when using SilverFast Ai IT8, because SilverFast utilizes the scanner as the measuring device for the profiling. (read more)
SilverFast HDR Studio
This is an enhanced version of SilverFast HDR with new features and the the integration of SilverFast DCPro to also read raw data from digital SLR cameras. The HDR Studio version provides new features like:
- High Dynamic Range Compression
- AACO (Auto-Adpative Contrast Enhancement) - enhances shadow details in high contrast images
- JPEG 2000 - enables strong compression
- USMPlus (Unsharp Mask Plus) - sharpening tool with preview of the final sharpening effect
- CloneTool - a simple tool for cloning pixels
- PrinTao - color managed print helper
optional: PhotoProof
- PhotoProof is a tool for color-true and binding processing of images from digital cameras. The image optimization gets done in the RGB color space. When activating PhotoProof, the user will immediately see a CMYK simulation of the image by means of RGB softproofing on the calibrated monitor. Thereafter a color-true contact proof can be created on any suitable, calibrated output device. The user just has to choose the ICC profile for the printer and the FOGRA media wedge to be embedded. Embedding a media wedge is used as a reference for a true-to-color proof. (read more)
optional: ColorServer
- ColorServer executes the processes of color conversion, scaling, sharpening, separation, and optimization of image data automatically (even batch processing) in the 48 Bit color space. The possibility to save high dynamic range images in the JPEG 2000 format assures maximum compression of image data without a loss of quality. JPEG 2000 also allows a compression ratio of 10:1 without any visible loss of image quality. (read more)
See also
- SilverFast Ai - scanner and image processing software
- SilverFast DC - digital camera software
- SilverFast PrinTao - printer software
Free Demo Versions
LaserSoft Imaging provides free demo versions of their product range for downloading.
- Restriction: Watermark on output.
Literature
An introduction to image processing, especially and comprehensivley in combination with SilverFast, is available in english:
- Taz Tally, Ph.D. SilverFast - The Official Guide. Sybex, 2003. ISBN 978-0-7821-4197-9
- Taz Tally, Ph.D. SilverFast - Das offizielle Buch. Mitp-Verlag, 2004. ISBN 978-3-8266-1521-4
External Links
- Homepage - LaserSoft Imaging
- Info - SilverFast HDR
- Info - SilverFast HDR Studio
- Help - SilverFast Manual | Tutorials | Documentation | Movies
